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I think I have an ASD, what should I do?

BrianSmith

I know this is asked a lot, but I can't find enough information. I'm quite nervous about approaching my doctor as I approached one before about a number issue I have and they basically dismissed the idea entirely.

Obviously I'm not looking for a diagnosis on here, but to briefly explain the situation, I have an anxiety disorder and depression. Both of which I am receiving treatment for...

The questions I have about that is - if I had an ASD, although I've only seen a psychiatrist for a few sessions, would they have picked up on it? And therefore does this mean that I don't have an ASD?

However, I'd like to be tested - by someone with knowledge in this area. What should I do? And if I go to the doctor, how should I approach the subject?

I've heard that it's difficult to find someone able to assess for this condition in adults, is this true? I live in Scotland.

I also have issue with numbers, math in general, but also seeing numbers in the wrong order, this has caused problems in two work places, however, when I approached the doctor about this, they dismissed it. 

So,  what should I do from here?

Parents

  • I wish to add to Scorpion's remarks that it is only very recently that Asperger's has been known to the field of psychology, and also the parents and educators.  The crucial difference between Asperger's and classic autism is speech development so if a child growing up before about year 2000 had normal speech development then it would never occur to anyone that he or she might be autistic.  That child would just be considered a bit of an oddball, disruptive, very shy or rather a loner.

    I have an old school report from when I was in middle school about 12 years old in which every teacher says I'm quiet, don't participate enough in class and lack self-confidence. 

    About a year before this report was issued my parents took me to the doctor's but didn't tell me why I was going.  I had been getting behind at school and so my parents decided I should have private tuition.  I can't remember much about the first session except that I was left with her at her house and I was stressed and not very cooperative.  This teacher told my parents she thought I was autistic and I should see a doctor.  My parents took me to my GP and he told them he didn't think I was autistic because I answered his questions and made eye contact.  I think he was expecting to see a child with limited speech and no eye contact at all.

    I wonder, does a child making eye contact at that age rule out autism?  This is one thing which casts doubt on whether I have an ASD or not.

    Anyway, it's easy to see how someone with milder symptoms of autism could have slipped the net at that time.  I suspect there are many adults out there with similar stories to tell.

Reply

  • I wish to add to Scorpion's remarks that it is only very recently that Asperger's has been known to the field of psychology, and also the parents and educators.  The crucial difference between Asperger's and classic autism is speech development so if a child growing up before about year 2000 had normal speech development then it would never occur to anyone that he or she might be autistic.  That child would just be considered a bit of an oddball, disruptive, very shy or rather a loner.

    I have an old school report from when I was in middle school about 12 years old in which every teacher says I'm quiet, don't participate enough in class and lack self-confidence. 

    About a year before this report was issued my parents took me to the doctor's but didn't tell me why I was going.  I had been getting behind at school and so my parents decided I should have private tuition.  I can't remember much about the first session except that I was left with her at her house and I was stressed and not very cooperative.  This teacher told my parents she thought I was autistic and I should see a doctor.  My parents took me to my GP and he told them he didn't think I was autistic because I answered his questions and made eye contact.  I think he was expecting to see a child with limited speech and no eye contact at all.

    I wonder, does a child making eye contact at that age rule out autism?  This is one thing which casts doubt on whether I have an ASD or not.

    Anyway, it's easy to see how someone with milder symptoms of autism could have slipped the net at that time.  I suspect there are many adults out there with similar stories to tell.

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